The Marine Education Center and Aquarium provides public programs for visitors and families to learn more about the Georgia coast with the whole family.

Public programs offered by the UGA Aquarium are a fun way for individuals and families to get involved in marine science while enjoying a day at the aquarium or even in on the water!

Programs range in cost and age-appropriate formats, but all require a reservation. All programs must be reserved by phone or in person and will be confirmed by email when the program deposit is received (if deposit is required).

For more information about program opportunities, email our Scheduling Coordinator at mared@uga.edu.

Find a list of Upcoming Public Programs below the slideshow.

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Estuary Trawls

Upcoming date: N/AFee: $40/person (cash or check)

Come aboard the R/V Sea Dawg for a cruise and trawl to Wassaw Sound to collect a variety of bottom-dwelling organisms living in the coastal waters of Georgia. Learn about the natural history of organisms in the estuary as you work closely with staff in sorting through and identifying the catch! Ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations & payment required one week prior to event date.Cancellations must be received within one week of the program date to receive a refund.

Island Exploration

Upcoming date: N/A
Fee: $44/person (cash or check)

Bring your sack lunch and explore one of the most pristine barrier islands along the eastern seaboard. Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge includes seven miles of unspoiled beach with rolling dunes, live oak and slash pine woodlands, and vast salt marshes. A must for bird watchers and naturalists!

Reservations & payment required one week prior to event date. Cancellations must be received within one week of the program date to receive a refund.

Dolphin Observations

Upcoming date: N/AFee: $22/person (cash or check)

Learn about the basic biology and characteristics of the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin before boarding Carolina Skiffs to look for individual dolphins and observe their behaviors. Ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations & payment required one week prior to the event. Cancellations must be received within one week of the program date to receive a refund.

Marine Debris Surveys

Upcoming date: N/A
Time:
Fee:

Coastal Stewards: Do you appreciate the beautiful barrier islands, tidal creeks and salt marshes along Georgia’s coast? Then come make a difference and help us protect and preserve these unique, local habitats from the impacts of marine debris. During this hands-on stewardship program, you will travel to Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge and hike a section of pristine, sandy beach while collecting, identifying and tally items that have washed ashore or have been left behind. You will be amazed at what you find! Come discover and learn about the ever growing issue of marine debris while enjoying the natural surroundings and learn about one of Georgia's beautiful barrier islands. Join us in taking an active role in maintaining the beauty of where we live. Ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum enrollment for this program is no less than 10 participants.

Prior Registration required one week prior to the event. Ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Shorebirding by Water

Upcoming date: N/AFee: $22/person (cash or check)

Take a coastal tour via Carolina Skiff in search of shorebirds moving north to south during their fall migration. Captains Mary Sweeney-Reeves and Mare Timmons will take you to Cabbage Island and other nearby mudflats to observe shorebirds and other wildlife.
Ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations & payment required one week prior to the event. Cancellations must be received within one week of the program date to receive a refund.

Catch of the Day

The catch of the day is Georgia oysters! Join us for a morning of educational activities as you tour Shellfish Research Laboratory’s oyster hatchery, explore some of the organisms that live in, on and around oysters, get a historical perspective from a local community member on what it was like to shuck oysters for a living and more importantly, enjoy a sample of our most flavorful local oysters on the half shell! Ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations & payment required one week prior to the event. Cancellations must be received within one week of the program date to receive a refund. Program minimum = 6 participants.

Behind-the-Scenes Aquarium Tour

Upcoming date: N/A
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Fee: $10/person

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of an aquarium? Join us for an extended Aquarium Exploration with an informative tour of the aquarium work spaces and a discussion of the methods used for caring for animals on exhibit. Get close-up views of holding tanks, filter systems, and food preparation areas.

Reservations & payment required one week prior to the event. Cancellations must be received within one week of the program date to receive a refund.

Coastal Bird Hike

Upcoming date: N/A
Time: 9:00 am - 12 noon
Fee: $22/person

Stroll along the Skidaway River while exploring nearby coastal habitats where we will be searching for migrating warblers, incoming summer resident birds, possible egrets, herons and more. If time permits we will visit a nearby rookery.

Reservations & payment required one week prior to the event. Cancellations must be received within one week of the program date to receive a refund.

Scope Studies: Plankton and Dock Organisms

Upcoming date: N/A
Time: 9:00 am - 12 noon
Fee: $22/person

Come to the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium and join UGA marine educators for an in-depth look at the unique communities of invertebrate animals that live in the Skidaway River. Participants in this study can learn about the fascinating organisms that drift in our coastal waters and those that settle on our boats. On the floating dock, you'll learn how to use water quality instruments to determine the salinity and temperature of the river. The program also includes pulling in a plankton net filled with microscopic plants and animals, gathering living invertebrates from dock surfaces, and then returning to the lab to further investigate the organisms with microscopes!

This a great opportunity for families to work together in small research teams, to practice scientific skills and to add to UGA’s body of knowledge about these cool organisms. The program for adults and children ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations & payment required one week prior to the event. Cancellations must be received within one week of the program date to receive a refund.